German Language Centre at KNUST

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the Government of Germany have intensified efforts to establish a German Language Centre on the university’s campus in Kumasi, following renewed discussions between both parties aimed at activating a previously signed cooperation agreement.

The development follows a high-level engagement between the university’s leadership and a German delegation comprising Germany’s Deputy Ambassador to Ghana, Sivine Jansen, and the Director of the Goethe-Institut, Dr. Katharina Görgen. The visit was to operationalise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2025 between KNUST and its German partners.

The proposed centre is expected to provide structured German language training for both students and staff, with plans underway to eventually secure full academic accreditation, making it a formal part of the university’s academic offerings.

Speaking during the meeting, KNUST Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Asamoah, described the engagement as a key milestone in the university’s drive to deepen international partnerships and expand academic opportunities.

He noted that KNUST continues to prioritise global collaboration as part of its broader development agenda, adding that the initiative would significantly benefit both students and staff through enhanced language and cultural exposure.

The Dean of the International Programmes Office, Professor Edmund Ekuadzi, explained that the meeting marked a shift from agreement to implementation, with stakeholders now focusing on the practical steps required to establish the centre.

According to him, the visit represents a direct follow-up to commitments made during the signing of the MoU, which took place during a presidential visit to the university in late 2025. He emphasised that the current discussions are aimed at turning plans into a functional academic facility.

On the German side, Deputy Ambassador Sivine Jansen confirmed her government’s readiness to support the initiative, including funding a dedicated lecturer through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), subject to formal application procedures by KNUST.

She explained that while DAAD recruitment cycles typically begin around September each year, with successful candidates assuming duty about a year later, the process could be expedited if KNUST demonstrates full readiness to proceed.

Ms. Jansen further reaffirmed Germany’s strong academic partnership with KNUST, describing the institution as Germany’s most significant higher education partner in Ghana. She highlighted ongoing collaborations in research, training, and industry-linked projects involving German firms such as Siemens and Rohde & Schwarz.

She added that the Goethe-Institut, which already operates in Ghana, will play a key supporting role in the establishment and development of the centre, particularly in strengthening language education and cultural exchange between both countries.

Despite the renewed momentum, efforts to establish a German language programme at KNUST date back over two decades. The Coordinator of the DAAD ACCESS Project, Dr. Ralph Nyadu-Addo, revealed that successive German ambassadors have consistently identified the initiative as a priority, yet implementation has faced repeated delays.

He explained that the main challenge has been the shortage of qualified German language lecturers who meet KNUST’s academic requirement of at least a Master’s degree, coupled with limited availability of such professionals willing to work in Ghana.

Although earlier pilot programmes recorded some success, including students writing and passing German proficiency examinations under sponsored arrangements, they were not sustained due to the absence of permanent teaching staff.

To address this gap, recruitment efforts have extended beyond Ghana to neighbouring francophone countries such as Togo and Benin. A newly recruited instructor from the sub-region has already arrived on campus to support initial teaching activities.

Additionally, discussions are ongoing with partner universities in Germany and other parts of Europe, including institutions in Leipzig, to secure long-term academic support and staffing solutions.

Dr. Nyadu-Addo noted that despite the long history of delays, current conditions are more favourable than ever. He indicated that lecture rooms and accommodation facilities at KNUST have already been prepared, meaning language courses could commence as soon as administrative approvals are completed.

With confirmed funding support from Germany, the presence of an instructor on campus, and readiness of infrastructure, stakeholders believe the project is now closer than ever to full implementation after more than twenty years of anticipation.